Acupuncture is not just for new-age enthusiasts. You can use acupuncture for anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.

Acupuncture comes from ancient Chinese medicine involving the functioning of Qi. The energy force, Qi, moves throughout the body much like our blood in our circulatory system. Meridians or pathways allow Qi to flow freely until health problems create energy blocks. Just like physical ailments, illnesses like anxiety can also block these energies. Acupuncture for anxiety can help clear these pathways.

Acupressure and acupuncture points

At special points on the body, acupuncture needles can be inserted only millimeters from certain nerves to restore Qi balance. When using acupuncture for anxiety in this way, you can actually slow the growth of stress hormones as well.

Not only does this immediately alleviate stress and anxiety, but it also helps more with each session. Unlike psychotherapy and medication, acupuncture for anxiety has few side effects if any.

If you are already on a medication and therapy regimen, incorporating acupuncture for anxiety can help you eventually wean off medication altogether. So, without further explanation, here are a few important points for acupuncture treatment.

1. Stomach 40

The most popular point for reducing stress is also used for relieving nasal mucus. Located on the front of each leg right beside the femoral bone, the stomach 40 point helps regulate blood flow from the upper to the lower body, releasing tension for the neck, back, and chest, among other places.

You can literally clear your head physically and mentally at this point.

2. Pericardium 8

This point is located in the center of the palm of the hand, and easily accessible at any time for self-acupressure as well. Stimulating this area connects with theliver meridian. As most acupuncturists will tell you, the liver is closely associated with how stress works.

Healthy liver functioning means lesser headaches, stomachaches, and insomnia, which is all physical symptoms of stress and anxiety.

3. Conception vessel 17

This point, located in the center of the chest, between the pectoral muscles actually controls the tightness of the chest feelings.

Pressing here helps with regulating breathing and opens up this point. If you activate this point while also placing emphasis on the Yin Tang region (between the eyes), you will reap ample anti-anxiety benefits.

4. Kidney 1

This point is associated with the kidney meridian, hence the name. Located on the bottom of the foot, the kidney 1 point addresses the built-up energy in the head. Obviously, energies should be equally dispersed throughout the body to maintain both physical and mental health.

When this is not the case, and someone is dealing with large amounts of anxiety, energies will build up in the head and upper regions of the body. Utilizing the Kidney 1 point, on the bottom of the foot, in a sense, will drain energies downward.



Also, the Kidney 1 point helps alleviate insomnia as well, as loss of sleep causes an increase in anxiety and stress.

5. Gallbladder 34

Since the Liver and gallbladder meridians are paired with one another, this point has great effects on both clearing out blocked energies and relieving muscle stiffness. Both of which can cause severe stress.

When using acupuncture for anxiety, you can find the gallbladder 34 point along the outside of the leg, right below the knee.

Gently press until you feel the top of the femur and locate the protruding bone. On the front of the bone, you will locate the gallbladder 34 point. Needling this point will first activate a body-armoring effect, and then a loosening of that armor to release negative energies. It has an amazing effect.

6. Heart 3

Anxiety and stress cause a “counterflow” of Qi. In order to put things right, the heart 3 point must be activated. This helps the Qi return to natural flow within the body. You can locate this point at the inner elbow. Pressing here will cause tenderness and you will know you’ve found the correct location.

7. Point zero

Looking for a reset button? Well, you may have just found what you’re looking for. Point zero, located in the center of the ear on the hard ridge connecting your earlobe to your face, can actually help you alleviate long-term stress by resetting your instincts and reactions.

When you’re stressed, your body is constantly in readiness mode – you’re ready to fight or take flight…

8. Stomach 6

The tension of anxiety can be seen clearly in the face, trust me. That’s why utilizing the stomach 6 point, located on the fleshy part at the back of the jaw underneath the ears, can help flush out some of the stress and tension from your face.

Many times, stress collected here can cause horrible headaches, and the sooner you address this concern the better.

Acupuncture for anxiety works

Acupuncture for anxiety works!

This is just a sampling to get you started on the road to recovery from anxiety and stress. At least, you can alleviate some of the stress from your life and improve the overall quality. Now that you’re interested in acupuncture, and I know you are, you can also use these points yourself for acupressure purposes at home.

These acupuncture for anxiety solutions are sure to benefit you in many ways and for many days to come.

References:

  1. https://www.everydayhealth.com/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

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